The phenomenon of Globalization resulted in the rise into prominence of civil society Organizations (CSOs) that are actively engaged in advocacy, sensitization and capacity building on a range of societal issues. This study focuses on how the emergence of civil society organizations in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries will enhance good governance by emphasizing openness and accountability. Four sub-Saharan African countries; Nigeria, Gabon, Tanzania and South Africa were selected for this study. Attempt will be made to measure proliferation, classification and functions of CSOs in promoting good governance in selected SSA countries. A Civil society index (CSI) was employed to measure the degree of effectiveness of CSOs in the sampled countries in promoting good governance. On the basis of the findings this paper recommends that CSOs be strengthen and allowed freedom of action to exert positive influence on the state and to assume their primary role as agents for promoting transparency, effectiveness, openness, responsiveness and accountability which are components of good governance.

The phenomenon of Globalization resulted in the rise into prominence of civil society Organizations (CSOs) that are actively engaged in advocacy, sensitization and capacity building on a range of societal issues. This study focuses on how the emergence of civil society organizations in sub-Sahara...